History
In 2011, Kevin Abbott, a plumber by trade, developed an innovative device designed to introduce corrosion inhibitor and mains water into domestic central heating systems. The apparatus consisted of a cylindrical vessel fitted with a plunger incorporating an integrated valve mechanism. Once filled with inhibitor, the unit was connected to the heating system and pressurised using mains water. This pressure advanced the plunger, delivering the inhibitor into the system. Upon reaching the end of its travel, the valve within the plunger opened, allowing mains water to flow through the device, thereby filling the system and ensuring thorough mixing with the inhibitor.
Following the successful performance of the prototype, Kevin engaged a patent agent to assess the device’s intellectual property potential. Despite its apparent simplicity, the valve mechanism was identified as novel. Notably, it was recognised that, if miniaturised, the technology could be adapted for use in medical syringes to enable controlled, dual-stage dispensing of separate liquids.
In 2012, Kevin partnered with his local University to explore the miniaturisation and medical application of the valve. During this collaboration, he worked with Dr Phil Green from the engineering department, who successfully secured funding and led the development of the first proof-of-concept prototypes.
Since then, patents have been granted across Europe, the UK, and the United States. Continued development has significantly advanced the valve technology, enabling the pre-mixing of two liquids—or a liquid and a solid—within a pre-filled syringe through various configurations. These innovations now underpin additional patents filed from 2022 to 2026.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr Phil Green, a finalist for the European Inventor of the Year 2019, was appointed Technical Director of Capa Valve in 2026
In recognition of his contributions, Dr Phil Green, a finalist for the European Inventor of the Year 2019, was appointed Technical Director of Capa Valve in 2022
Key Personnel
Kevin Abbott – Managing Director
Kevin began his career as a qualified heating engineer, contributing to a range of high-profile commercial heating installations within a specialist engineering team. Driven by ambition and a commitment to excellence, he went on to establish and grow his own plumbing business, leading a team that delivered reliable domestic services for over a decade.
Refusing to compromise on quality, Kevin later transitioned to working as a sole trader—an approach that better reflected his exacting standards and unwavering pursuit of complete customer satisfaction.
It was during this phase of his career that his natural problem-solving instincts sparked an unexpected breakthrough. A valve he originally designed for filling domestic central heating systems, when miniaturised, revealed its potential as a disruptive innovation in the pre-filled medical syringe industry—marking a remarkable crossover from plumbing into advanced drug delivery technolog
Dr Phil Green – Technical Director
Dr Phil Green is a Mechanical Engineer whose career spans both academia and industry, with a strong emphasis on innovative start-ups and the development of patented technologies. As Technical Director of Capa Valve Ltd and a guest lecturer at Coventry University, he combines technical leadership with a commitment to education and mentorship.
Driven by a belief that the best solutions are often the simplest, Dr Green is passionate about creating technologies that address real human challenges while remaining mindful of environmental impact and resource efficiency. As the principal pioneer behind D3O impact protection technology, his work earned him recognition as a finalist in the SME category of the European Inventor Award 2019.
Through his teaching and industry work, Dr Green continues to inspire the next generation of engineers, encouraging them to pursue innovation with purpose and an entrepreneurial mindset
Strategic Partnerships
To date, Capa Valve has engaged with 12 pharmaceutical companies and 6 drug delivery device manufacturers worldwide, the majority of whom have evaluated, or are actively evaluating, its technology. These collaborations have already delivered tangible commercial outcomes, including an exclusive licence agreement with a leading global device manufacturer for one of the valve variants in human healthcare applications.
While licensing its intellectual property remains a core element of Capa Valve’s business model, the company’s primary objective is to accelerate the route to market and ensure its technology is readily accessible to healthcare professionals. In support of this goal, Capa Valve is actively seeking strategic partnerships with organisations capable of expediting commercialisation and broadening market adoption.
Patient Wellbeing
Minimising discomfort & risk to the individuals being injected.
Storage
Reduced storage costs as less space is required to house the equipment.
Environment
More environmentally friendly as there is less medical waste produced in the process.
Logistics
Reduced transportation costs as there is less packaging and lighter, smaller shipments to be made.
Awards and Recognition
